India should stick with Sandeep Sharma for 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe

Sandeep Sharma had a forgettable Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against Zimbabwe at Harare in the first match of the series. He bowled three overs and was hit for 34 runs. The very first ball of his international career was hit for six by Chamu Chibabha, while Hamilton Masakadza and Neville Madziva hit him for sixes as well. All in all, it was far from a dream debut. However, Shiamak Unwalla feels that despite a lacklustre introduction to international cricket, India ought to stick with the talented young swing bowler who has shown tremendous promise in his short domestic career so far. READ: India vs Zimbabwe 2015, 2nd T20I at Harare Preview

No bowlers like being hit for six at any point in a match. For pace bowlers, getting hit for six is usually considered something of an insult. Being hit for six off the first ball of the second over of an innings, especially on your international debut, is a forgettable experience entirely. And yet, poor Sandeep Sharma had to suffer that inglorious fate. In fact, his woe did not end with that first ball that Chamu Chibabha hit over long on; only two balls later, Hamilton Masakadza went down on one knee and scooped the ball over the ropes. READ: Stuart Binny proving his worth as premier all-rounder for India

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Sandeep is not someone who will bowl at high speeds. He rarely goes over the 135 kmph mark. He relies instead on seam and swing with the new ball and an intelligent use of wide yorkers at the death. This came through even in the first T20I; 26 of the 34 runs he conceded came off boundaries, most of which were either outrageous or lucky hits. It was a rare bad day for someone who is otherwise the model of consistency. READ: India vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I at Harare: Highlights

Though Sandeep came to prominence due to his fine showing in Indian Premier League (IPL), his domestic record shows that consistency is a forte he possesses in spades. A First-Class bowling average of less than 23 suggests tremendous skill, as does his List A average of under 22. Despite relying almost exclusively on movement both in the air and off the pitch, he does not struggle for line and length like some swing bowlers. He has excellent control, and it showed even during IPL. READ: India register highest away T20I score, during clash vs Zimbabwe

His spell in the first T20I could be blamed on nerves and a nothing to lose attitude with which the Zimbabwean batsmen went about their chase. It would be unfair to judge Sandeep based on his performance in the first T20I exclusively. His bowling analysis in the first match tells a sorry tale, but he deserves a chance at redemption. READ: India vs Zimbabwe 2015: Benchwarmers have hardly benefited so far

(Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek who loves cricket more than cricketers. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)